Vegetable Beef Barley Soup

Ingredients

• 1 lb. beef or steak, chopped into bite sized pieces
• 1 tbsp. oil
• 1 cup water
• 2 beef bouillon cubes (or 1 bouillon pack)
• 1 ½ tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 4 cups water
• 1 celery stalk chopped
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup barley uncooked (quick-cooking)
• 1 bag frozen mixed vegetables (about 3 cups)
• 1 can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 2 extra bouillon cubes (or 1 extra bouillon pack

Instructions

1. 1
   In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the beef in the olive oil.
2. 2
   Once the beef has browned, add the garlic, 1 cup of water, bouillon, bay leaf, and salt & pepper.
3. 3
   Reduce heat, cover the pot and simmer for 1 hour.
4. 4
   After one hour, add the remaining ingredients and bring to a boil for 10 minutes.
5. 5
   Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.
6. 6
   Adjust seasonings if necessary.